Levindoski Boxing At Army West Point

By: Ed Weaver  /  March 12, 2024

Former Hornet Blake Levindoski picked up a new sport since graduating from Wellsboro. He's a member of the Army West Point Boxing team.

Levindoski first became interested in boxing after taking the required physical education class during the second half of his first semester.

"The first time I ever trained for boxing was here at West Point. Typically, everyone takes this class as a plebe (freshman) with the exceptions of in-season athletes and people with injuries. In the class you are taught how to throw a jab, a straight, a lead hand hook, and a rear hand uppercut. Throughout the course there are evaluations that you are graded on. The grades based on your boxing skill when you spar another cadet."

Levindoski decided on trying out for the team this semester after completing the course.

"I knew West Point had a boxing before I got here, and I always considered trying out," Levindoski said. "Towards the end of the first semester my boxing instructor told me that I should consider trying out because I was performing well in the ring. I ended the class with a very good grade, so I decided to try out in the second semester. Try outs were about two and a half weeks long, and cuts were made based on physical performance, mental fortitude, and boxing skill. After the tryouts were completed, I was told that I made the team."

Levindoski's typical day starts at 6:00 a.m. before he goes to mandatory breakfast formation from 7:00 - 7:20 a.m. After breakfast Levindoski is in class between 7:40 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. then boxing practice from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. before going to sleep between 11:00 p.m. and midnight. The West Point Boxing team also has additional practices Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 5:30 a.m. to 6:15 a.m.

While boxing isn't a sanctioned PIAA sport Levindoski can draw comparisons to playing football and baseball at Wellsboro while in high school.

"I played football most of my life and I think there are connections between the two sports. First off, the amount of work you must put into football to be successful is immense. Boxing is no different. Your results are a direct representation of the work you put in. One obvious connection between the two sports is the contact. In both sports you need to be able to take a hit and not let it affect you. I think this is one of the reasons I found success in my boxing class. When football most of your life you tend to get used to getting hit. One final comparison relates to my favorite part of boxing. In football you often have to deal with one versus one situations. Obviously in football there is a lot going on, on the field at once, but what’s important is understanding your assignment and how your opponent is going to try to restrict you from completing your assignment. Boxing is the same way. You must learn your opponent’s patterns so you can score punches without getting punched."